In order to attract skilled immigration from non-EU countries, Germany has passed the Skilled Immigration Act (Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz), which will come into force on 1 March 2020.

Third country nationals:

• who have a recognised university degree or recognised vocational training; and
• who have a concrete job offer in Germany on a domestic employment contract;
• for a skilled job which their qualification enables them to do; and
• which does not offer less favourable working conditions than for comparable domestic employees;
• and who have a professional licence, if the job requires it;

will usually be able to receive a residence/work permit for the purposes of conducting skilled employment.

These regulations, along with an accelerated administrative procedure for skilled immigration, will simplify international hiring planning for employers and should be conducive to furthering skilled immigration to Germany.